Marlins sign journeyman Austin Kearns to minor league deal

January 25, 2012|By Juan C. Rodriguez, Sun Sentinel

The Marlins on Wednesday announced they signed well-traveled outfielder Austin Kearns to a minor league deal with a invite to spring training.

Kearns, who turns 32 in May, last season with the Indians batted .200 with a .589 on-base plus slugging percentage in 59 games (150 at-bats). A right-handed-hitting corner outfielder, Kearns since making his making league debut with the Reds in 2002 has played with four different organizations, including parts of four seasons with the Washington Nationals and two separate stints in Cleveland.

He is a career .237 (14-for-59) pinch-hitter with five extra-base hits, 11 walks and 22 strikeouts. Kearns will compete for a reserve outfielder spot with Bryan Petersen, Scott Cousins and Aaron Rowand among others….